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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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You'd spend $2.0K/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $173.8K in Denver, CO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from St. Louis, MO-IL area
Overall Cost
26.4%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,983
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$23.8K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

St. Louis, MO

Population:302K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$145K

Denver, CO

Population:716K
Cost Index:126
Median Home:$513K

St. Louis, MO

The Show-Me State

302K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Missouri, this city has a population of 302K residents.

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Semi-arid

Notable Facts

  • Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
  • Outdoor recreation hub
  • Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: St. Louis, MO vs Denver, CO

🏠Housing
73.6%
St. Louis, MO
$1,871
Denver, CO
$3,248
Difference
$1,377
more
🚗Transportation
20.2%
St. Louis, MO
$1,216
Denver, CO
$1,462
Difference
$246
more
📦Other
10.4%
St. Louis, MO
$1,607
Denver, CO
$1,774
Difference
$167
more
🏥Healthcare
20.0%
St. Louis, MO
$527
Denver, CO
$632
Difference
$105
more
🛒Groceries
8.4%
St. Louis, MO
$949
Denver, CO
$1,029
Difference
$79.94
more
All Utilities
3.1%
St. Louis, MO
$535
Denver, CO
$519
Difference
$16.39
less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

St. Louis, MO: St. Louis Earnings Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)
Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)
Net difference-$1,431/yr

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$910
To$1,720
$810
1 Bed
From$950
To$1,840
$890
2 Bed
From$1,160
To$2,190
$1,030
3 Bed
From$1,490
To$2,870
$1,380
St. Louis, MOZIP-level data

1BR range: $800$1,480/mo

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620$2,540/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,705
Monthly in St. Louis, MO
$8,665
Monthly in Denver, CO
$1,959
Difference

Home Values

St. Louis
Denver
$145K
Median Value
$513K
↓ -0.8%
YoY Change
↓ -4.2%
↑ +10.9%
5-Year Change
↑ +13%
$38K - $302K
Price Range
$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 254% more expensive than St. Louis

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$1.3K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$111
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.9%
Rate difference

St. Louis, MO

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Missouri State Tax
Effective: 5.3%
$7.9K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 30.0%
$44.9K
Take-Home Pay
$8,755/month
$105.1K

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Colorado State Tax
Effective: 4.4%
$6.6K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.1%
$43.6K
Take-Home Pay
$8,866/month
$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

St. Louis, MO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.0%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%
Property Tax:0.5%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

St. Louis
Denver
54 Moderate
Air Quality
55 Moderate
38%
Good Air Days
35.2%
99 High
Climate Risk
95 High
🌊🌡🫨
Top Hazards
🌊🌪💨
+3.0°F
2050 Outlook
+3.3°F
39 days
Heat Days >95°F
28 days
+3.0°F
2050 Outlook
+3.3°F
39 days
Heat Days >95°F
28 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Missouri and Colorado on TaxTakeHome.com

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